In the story “The Dead” the entire plot is based around the main character: Gabriel. Readers learn different aspects of the story through the eyes of Gabriel, which gives them a very narrow view of the true plot. Gabriel’s views only offer one side of what is going on, the side of a “west briton” who does not exactly fit in with the other characters in the novel. That is why in John Huston’s version of The Dead he splits the emphasis up between three characters. He does this so the viewer would be able to see what is going on in the m

In Joyce’s story Gabriel is extremely preoccupied about the speech that he is going to recite over dinner. Gabriel is doubtful of what to say because he does not want to upset all the guests, because he feels that they all belong to the old ignorant generation. The whole night he is torn about what he shall say because he does not want to offend anyone and he does not want to exclude himself from the other guests. This constant contemplation in Gabriel mind can be seen very clearly in Joyce’s story with Gabriel’s remarks to Miss’ Ivors insults that were quite snappy. This shows that he was still very undecided whether he will be pro new generation (a generation that includes Miss Ivors, who he feels is extremely rude) or pro old generation (a generation which includes all the other guests). He is constantly contemplating to find a middle way. In Huston’s version, Gabriel only seems to be preoccupied with the actual dictation of his speech to a large audience. The actor in the movie does not show the right emotion. Huston’s interpretation of Gabriel character is not true to the spirit of Joyce’s original work.

The shift of emphasis towards Freddy Malins character in Huston’s version was done for comic relief. In the novel, Freddy Malins is simply a drunk, but in the movie, which was obviously made later than the original story, his character has a deeper meaning. Throughout books in history there have been a number of occasions where an idiot, a drunk, or a fool have been inserted into the plot. These comical characters expose us to the truth or what is truly behind the plot of the story. In Huston’s version Freddy Malins brings up the issue of human rights, where he defends a black man who has a terrific voice to the rest of the guests at the party. Freddy also is very accepting of other religions in the movie, which is nowhere to be seen in Joyce’s original work. These insertions were added to the plot because of what was going on in the world at the time when the film was made. Freddy is a more significant character in Huston’s version, and that is why there is more emphasis on him in the movie.

In the original, Gabriel’s character is supposed to be very scholarly and a highly educated man. Joyce made this known to the reader because Gabriel was described as a man who wore spectacles, and man who supported his stern ideas very strongly. Gabriel exclaims “ I’m sick of my own country, sick of it!” letting everyone know how he feels about Ireland, and backs up this statement by saying that Irish is not his language. He stays strong to his ideas and who he is. This aspect of Gabriel’s character does not emerge in Huston’s version. Gabriel is unemotional in his conversation with Miss Ivors. He takes her insults very passively, not showing any discomfort in being insulted. Also, he seems very unconcerned about Gretta in the film. He does not demand to know if she loved Michael Fury, as

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